System and Method for Performance Test in Outside Channel Combination Environment

ABSTRACT

Provided are a system and method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment. In an outside channel combination environment including first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, and first and second network devices, a system for a performance test includes: a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices; and at least one load generator for generating loads corresponding to outbound messages to be sent to a plurality of outside authorities, and measuring system performance, wherein: the loads generated by the load generator are sent to the second outside channel combination server via the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, and the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server generates a response message corresponding to the received load, and then sends the response message to the load generator via the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server, so that system performance is measured. Thus, a performance test for transmit/receive message can be effectively performed in advance in a newly built outside channel combination environment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment.

BACKGROUND ART

Even though the Internet is being widely used, numerous banking authorities are generally associated with a plurality of outside authorities (e.g., financial supervisory authorities, credit rating agencies, credit card companies, commercial banks, and the like) via, for example, an X.25 or TCP/IP-based private line for affairs processing. When building a system, a test associated with the outside authorities is necessary, that is, an affairs test is immediately performed following a connection test.

A conventional test method cannot systematically perform a performance test according to load levels in a test scenario since the method is unable to test a desired plurality of loads at a desired point in time.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention is directed to a system and method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment which is capable of effectively performing, in advance, a performance test for an outbound/inbound message in a newly built outside channel combination system environment.

Technical Solution

One aspect of the present invention provides a system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, and first and second network devices, the system comprising: a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices; and at least one load generator for generating loads corresponding to outbound messages to be sent to a plurality of outside authorities, and measuring system performance, wherein the loads generated by the load generator are sent to the second outside channel combination server via the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, and the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server generates a response message corresponding to the received load, and then sends the response message to the load generator via the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server to measure system performance.

The loads generated by the load generator may be balanced in a ratio of 50:50 when they are sent to the first and second outside-affairs servers.

The loads generated by the load generator may cause a load on a web screen of the first outside-affairs server, and the web screen may automatically generate an outside request message.

The loads generated by the load generator may be sent via a path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server, and the response message generated by the second outside channel combination server may be sent via a path composed of the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, the second outside channel combination server, the first outside-affairs server, and the load generator.

The first and second network devices may be active and standby network devices in an active-standby form.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, and first and second network devices, the system comprising: a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices; at least one load generator for generating loads corresponding to inbound messages received from a plurality of outside authorities, and measuring system performance; and a load collecting/amplifying module included in the second outside channel combination server to collect and amplify the loads generated by the load generator, wherein the loads generated by the load generator are sent to the first outside-affairs server via the load collecting/amplifying module of the second outside channel combination server, the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, and the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server generates a response message corresponding to the sent load, and sends the response message to the load generator via the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, and the load collecting/amplifying module of the second outside channel combination server to measure the system performance.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides a method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, first and second network devices, a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices, and at least one load generator connected to the first outside-affairs server, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating, by the load generator, loads corresponding to outbound messages to be sent to a plurality of outside authorities; (b) sending the loads generated in step (a) via a path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server; (c) generating, by the second outside channel combination server, a response message corresponding to the sent load; and (d) sending the response message generated in step (c) via a path composed of the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, the first outside-affairs server, and the load generator.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, first and second network devices, a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices, and at least one load generator connected to the second outside channel combination server, the method comprising the steps of: (a′) generating, by the load generator, loads corresponding to inbound messages received from a plurality of outside authorities and sending the loads to the second outside channel combination server; (b′) collecting and amplifying, by the second outside channel combination server, the loads sent in step (a′), and sending the loads via a path composed of the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server; (c′) generating, by the first outside-affairs server, a response message corresponding to the sent load; and (d′) sending the response message generated in step (c′) via a path composed of the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, the second outside channel combination server, and the load generator.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing the above method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

As described above, according to the system and method for a performance test in the outside channel combination environment of the present invention, it is possible to effectively perform, in advance, a performance test for an outbound/inbound message in a newly built outside channel combination system environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an outside channel combination environment applied to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate data flows when a load corresponding to an outbound/inbound message is generated in the system for a performance test in the outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various types. Therefore, the present exemplary embodiments are provided for complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform the scope of the present invention to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an outside channel combination environment applied to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the outside channel combination environment applied to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of user terminals 100 a to 100 n, first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b, first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b, first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a, second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b, first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b, and a plurality of outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b configured in an active-active form are connected to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via, for example, a local area network (LAN).

The first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b respectively include first and second outside-affairs processing applications (APs) 250 a and 250 b having the same function in order to perform outside-affairs (e.g., bank deposit/payment, credit cards, insurance, securities, and other banking transaction affairs) associated with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e (e.g., financial supervisory authorities, credit rating agencies, credit card companies, and commercial banks).

The first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b configured in the active-active form are connected with the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b to interwork with the same, and function to process the outside-affairs associated with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b include first and second message relaying applications 310 a and 310 b for relaying a transmit/receive message, i.e., an outbound/inbound message, first and second master communication applications 330 a and 330 b, and first and second backup communication applications 350 a and 350 b, respectively.

In the first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b, the first and second message relaying applications 310 a and 310 b share information related to message processing via a session, and function to manage line connection information required for message transmission, and a transmission state.

The first master communication application 330 a is connected with the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a in an active-standby form via active lines L1 and backup lines L2, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the first outside-affairs server 200 a and the first active or standby network device 400 a or 450 a according to whether a communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a.

The first backup communication application 350 a is connected with the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b in an active-standby form via backup lines L3 and L4, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the second outside-affairs server 200 b and the second active or standby network device 400 b or 450 b according to whether a communication error is generated in the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

The second master communication application 330 b is connected with the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b via active lines L5 and backup lines L6, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the second outside-affairs server 250 b and the second active or standby network device 400 b or 450 b according to whether a communication error is generated in the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b.

The second backup communication application 350 b is connected with the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a via backup lines L7 and L8, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the first outside-affairs server 200 a and the first active or standby network device 400 a or 450 a according to whether a communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a when a communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a.

The first active network device 400 a is connected between the first master communication application 330 a and the first switching device 500 a via the active lines L1, and connected with the second backup communication application 350 b via the backup lines L7.

The first active network device 400 a functions to automatically switch from the active lines L1 connected with the first outside channel combination server 300 a to the backup lines L7 connected with the second backup communication application 350 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b when a communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a, or when the active lines L1 connected with the first outside channel combination server 300 a fail.

The first standby network device 450 a is connected between the first master communication application 330 a and the first switching device 500 a via the backup lines L2, and is connected with the second backup communication application 350 b via backup lines L8.

The first standby network device 450 a is activated when a communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a, or when the active lines L1 connected between the first active network device 400 a and the first switching device 500 a fail, and remains in a standby state to perform normal outside-affairs via the backup lines L2 connected between the first master communication application 330 a and the first switching device 500 a.

The second active network device 400 b is connected between the second master communication application 330 b and the second switching device 500 b via the active lines L5, and is connected with the first backup communication application 350 a via the backup lines L3.

The second active network device 400 b functions to automatically switch from the active lines L5 connected with the second outside channel combination server 300 b to the backup lines L3 connected with the first backup communication application 350 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b, or when the active lines L5 connected with the second outside channel combination server 300 b fail.

The second standby network device 450 b is connected between the second master communication application 330 b and the second switching device 500 b via the backup lines L6, and connected with the first backup communication application 350 a via the backup lines L4.

The second standby network device 450 b is activated when a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b, or when the active lines L5 connected between the second active network device 400 b and the second switching device 500 b fail, and remains in a standby state to perform normal outside-affairs via the backup lines L6 connected between the second master communication application 330 b and the second switching device 500 b.

The first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a and the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b applied to the embodiment of the present invention as described above are preferably implemented by, for example, a MegaBOX.

The first switching device 500 a is connected with the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a via the active lines L1 and the backup lines L2, and functions to automatically switch to the first standby network device 400 b when a communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a, or when the active lines L1 connected with the first active network device 400 a fail.

The second switching device 500 b is connected with the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b via the active lines L5 and the backup lines L6, and functions to automatically switch to the second standby network device 450 b when a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b, or when the active lines L5 connected with the second active network device 400 b fail.

Preferably, the first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b applied to the embodiment of the present invention as described above are implemented by, for example, a fallback switch.

The outside authorities 600 a to 600 e are distributed and connected to the first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b using affairs channel lines A to E connected through a private-line protocol (e.g., X.25 or TCP/IP protocol). Here, the outside authority 600 c is connected with the first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b via dual lines C-1 and C-2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. While the description will be made on the basis of the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be similarly applied to the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, the system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first load generators 10 a to 10 n, first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b, first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b, first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a, test lines TL, and second load generators 20 a to 20 n.

The first load generators 10 a to 10 n are connected to inputs of the first or second outside-affairs servers 200 a or 200 b. The first load generators 10 a to 10 n generate loads corresponding to outbound messages to be sent to a plurality of outside authorities 600 a to 600 e (see FIG. 1), and function to measure performance of the above-described outside channel combination system environment.

The second outside channel combination server 300 b includes a load collecting/amplifying module 370 for collecting and amplifying loads generated by the second load generators 20 a to 20 n. The loads are for simulating inbound messages actually received from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The load collecting/amplifying module 370 collects the loads generated by the second load generators 20 a to 20 n, and amplifies the loads to a maximum load that can be transmitted via the test lines TL by changing a protocol in an identical manner as the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e transmitting via, for example, an X.25 protocol, so that the loads are processed in parallel in each line.

Loads intended in each test scenario are generated from the second load generators 20 a to 20 n in the performance test for the inbound message, and are sent to the outside channel combination system environment. This simulates load generation and transmission at the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The test lines TL include a plurality of loopback lines in order to overcome a limit of a data amount that can be transmitted when the test is performed via, for example, X.25 lines, and are connected to outputs of the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a, which forms a closed circuit.

The second load generators 20 a to 20 n are connected to the load collecting/amplifying module 370 of the second outside channel combination server 300 b. The second load generators 20 a to 20 n function to generate loads corresponding to the inbound messages received from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e, and measure the performance of the above outside channel combination system environment.

Meanwhile, the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b, the first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b, and the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a are the same as those shown in FIG. 1, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The operation when the loads corresponding to the outbound/inbound messages are generated in the system for a performance test in the outside channel combination environment according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate data flows when a load corresponding to an outbound/inbound message is generated in a system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The outbound message refers to a message sent from the interior to the exterior, and the inbound message refers to a message sent from the exterior to the interior.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the performance test for outbound messages is performed using the system for the performance test in the outside channel combination environment according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first load generators 10 a to 10 n generate loads corresponding to the outbound messages to be sent to the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e (see FIG. 1).

The loads for outbound messages generated by the first load generators 10 a to 10 n cause a load on a web screen of the first outside-affairs server 200 a, and the web screen automatically generates an outside request message.

The outside request message generated in the first outside-affairs server 200 a is sent via a path composed of the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the first active network device 400 a, the test lines TL, the first standby network device 450 a, and the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

When receiving the outside request message, the second outside channel combination server 300 b generates a response message to the outside request message and then sends it via the path composed of the first standby network device 450 a, the test lines TL, the first active network device 400 a, the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the first outside-affairs server 200 a, and the first load generators 10 a to 10 n.

Accordingly, the performance test for outbound messages in the newly built outside channel combination system environment can be effectively performed in advance, for example, as a test for throughput per second, an average response speed, and a maximum response speed.

Preferably, when the loads generated by the first load generators 10 a to 10 n are sent to the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b, the loads are balanced in a ratio of 50:50.

While in the embodiment of the present invention the outside request message generated by the first outside-affairs server 200 a has been sent to the first outside channel combination server 300 a directly, the present invention is not limited thereto, as the outside request message may be sent to the first outside channel combination server 300 a via the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

Similarly, while the response message from the first active network device 400 a has been sent to the first outside channel combination server 300 a directly, the present invention is not limited thereto, that is, the response message may be sent to the first outside channel combination server 300 a via the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the performance test for inbound messages is performed using the system for the performance test in the outside channel combination environment according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second load generators 20 a to 20 n generate loads corresponding to inbound messages received from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The loads for inbound messages are then sent to the load collecting/amplifying module 370 of the second outside channel combination server 300 b. The collecting/amplifying module 370 collects and amplifies the loads for inbound messages and then sends them via the path composed of the first standby network device 450 a, the test lines TL, the first active network device 400 a, the first outside channel combination server 300 a, and the first outside-affairs server 200 a.

When receiving the loads for inbound messages, the first outside-affairs server 200 a generates a response message to the loads for the inbound messages and sends it via the path composed of the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the first active network device 400 a, the test lines TL, the first standby network device 450 a, the second outside channel combination server 300 b, and the second load generators 20 a to 20 n.

Accordingly, the performance test for the inbound messages in the newly built outside channel combination system environment can be effectively performed in advance, for example, as a test for throughput per second, an average response speed, and a maximum response speed.

Meanwhile, the method for the performance test in the outside channel combination environment according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable code in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be any recording device for storing computer-readable data.

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a mobile storage device, a non-volatile memory (e.g., a Flash Memory), an optical data storage device, and a carrier wave (e.g., transmission via the Internet).

The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed to computer systems interconnected via a computer communication network, and the method may be stored and executed as a code in the recording medium.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, and first and second network devices, the system comprising: a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices; and at least one load generator for generating loads corresponding to outbound messages to be sent to a plurality of outside authorities, and measuring system performance, wherein the loads generated by the load generator are sent to the second outside channel combination server via the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, and the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server generates a response message corresponding to the received load, and then sends the response message to the load generator via the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server to measure system performance.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the loads generated by the load generator are balanced in a ratio of 50:50 when they are sent to the first and second outside-affairs servers.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the loads generated by the load generator generates a load on a web screen of the first outside-affairs server, and the web screen automatically generates an outside request message.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the loads generated by the load generator are sent via a path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server, and the response message generated by the second outside channel combination server is sent via a path composed of the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, the second outside channel combination server, the first outside-affairs server, and the load generator.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second network devices are active and standby network devices in an active-standby form.
 6. A system for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, and first and second network devices, the system comprising: a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices; at least one load generator for generating loads corresponding to inbound messages received from a plurality of outside authorities, and measuring system performance; and a load collecting/amplifying module included in the second outside channel combination server to collect and amplify the loads generated by the load generator, wherein the loads generated by the load generator are sent to the first outside-affairs server via the load collecting/amplifying module of the second outside channel combination server, the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, and the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server generates a response message corresponding to the sent load, and sends the response message to the load generator via the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, and the load collecting/amplifying module of the second outside channel combination server to measure the system performance.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first and second network devices are active and standby network devices in an active-standby form.
 8. A method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, first and second network devices, a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices, and at least one load generator connected to the first outside-affairs server, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating, by the load generator, loads corresponding to outbound messages to be sent to a plurality of outside authorities; (b) sending the loads generated in step (a) via a path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, and the second outside channel combination server; (c) generating, by the second outside channel combination server, a response message corresponding to the sent load; and (d) sending the response message generated in step (c) via a path composed of the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, the first outside-affairs server, and the load generator.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the loads generated in step (a) are balanced in a ratio of 50:50 when they are sent to the first and second outside-affairs servers, in step (b).
 10. A method for a performance test in an outside channel combination environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers in an active-active form, first and second outside channel combination servers, first and second network devices, a plurality of test lines connected to one another so that a closed circuit is formed at outputs of the first and second network devices, and at least one load generator connected to the second outside channel combination server, the method comprising the steps of: (a′) generating, by the load generator, loads corresponding to inbound messages received from a plurality of outside authorities and sending the loads to the second outside channel combination server; (b′) collecting and amplifying, by the second outside channel combination server, the loads sent in step (a′), and sending the loads via a path composed of the second network device, the test lines, the first network device, the first outside channel combination server, and the first outside-affairs server; (c′) generating, by the first outside-affairs server, a response message corresponding to the sent load; and (d′) sending the response message generated in step (c′) via a path composed of the first outside channel combination server, the first network device, the test lines, the second network device, the second outside channel combination server, and the load generator.
 11. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing a method according to any one of claims 8 to
 10. 